Blower for a fuel cell array

Abstract

A blower (1) for a fuel cell arrangement for recirculating a gas mixture used for operating the fuel cell arrangement is described, comprising a drive motor (7, 8, 9) which has a rotor (9) coupled to a motor shaft (7) and a stator (8) arranged radially outside the rotor (9). An annular channel (10) is provided radially between the rotor (9) and the stator (8) for conveying the gas mixture from an inlet side to an outlet side of the annular channel (10). A blower impeller (5) coupled to the motor shaft (7) is provided in the region of the outlet side of the annular channel (10) to convey the gas mixture from the inlet side to the outlet side of the annular channel (10) when rotating. The blower (1) further comprises a suction jet arrangement (16) with a nozzle for generating a high-velocity gas flow, which is integrated into the flow path of the blower (1) to cause a flow through the blower (1).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a blower for a fuel cell assembly for recirculating a gas mixture used in the operation of the fuel cell assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a blower with a predetermined flow pattern to enable the separation of water from the gas mixture. The invention also relates to a fuel cell assembly with such a blower. State of the art

[0002] Fuel cells of various designs are used for stationary and mobile applications. In such known fuel cells, which use hydrogen as an energy carrier, there is a need to pump gaseous media. In particular, fuel cells with an anode section and a cathode section are known, wherein hydrogen from the anode section is recirculated to ensure the fuel cell's function. For this purpose, blowers are used in the prior art, which are designed to pump the corresponding gaseous medium. A blower for a fuel cell system according to the prior art is disclosed in DE102020007640A1.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an improved blower that ensures the proper functioning of the fuel cell system. This object is achieved by the features of the claims. Description of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, it relates to a blower for a fuel cell assembly for recirculating a gas mixture used in the operation of the fuel cell assembly. The blower comprises a drive motor with a rotor coupled to the motor shaft and a stator arranged radially outside the rotor. An annular channel is provided radially between the rotor and the stator for conveying the gas mixture from an inlet side to an outlet side of the annular channel. In the region of the outlet side of the annular channel, a blower impeller coupled to the rotor shaft is provided to convey the gas mixture from the inlet side to the outlet side of the annular channel during rotation. The blower further comprises a suction jet arrangement with a nozzle for generating a high-velocity gas flow, which is integrated into the flow path of the blower to induce a flow through the blower.

[0005] The blower can be used to recirculate a gas mixture associated with an anode region of the fuel cell assembly. This gas mixture may contain hydrogen. It may also contain other components, particularly those resulting from the reaction of hydrogen in the anode region of the fuel cell assembly. The gas mixture may contain water, also resulting from the reaction of hydrogen. It may also contain water resulting from the condensation of gaseous water or water vapor. The gas mixture may contain atmospheric components such as nitrogen, which enter the mixture through diffusion within the fuel cell assembly. The gas mixture can be passed through the anode region of the fuel cell assembly.

[0006] The blower can be connected to the fuel cell assembly via appropriate piping so that it can circulate the gas mixture through the anode area of ​​the fuel cell assembly. The blower can also be connected to a hydrogen source, allowing the hydrogen content of the recirculated gas mixture to be adjusted.

[0007] The blower is driven by a drive motor, which can be an electric motor. The electric motor can be a brushless motor. The drive motor can be a media-gap motor, in which the conveyed medium can flow between the rotor and the stator of the electric motor. In this case, the medium conveyed by the blower, in particular the gas mixture used in the fuel cell arrangement, can be conveyed through the annular channel. The annular channel can have a cylindrical inner wall and a cylindrical outer wall. The inner wall can be formed by the outer diameter of the rotor. In this case, the inner wall rotates when the rotor rotates. Alternatively, a tubular element can be used as the inner wall, arranged radially inside the cylindrical outer wall and radially outside the outer diameter of the rotor. In this case, the inner wall remains stationary even when the rotor rotates.Between the cylindrical inner and outer walls of the annular channel, the gas mixture can flow from the inlet to the outlet. The stator of the drive motor can be located outside the outer wall of the annular channel. The blower impeller, coupled to the motor shaft, can be positioned at the outlet of the annular channel such that the gas mixture is conveyed through the annular channel when the blower impeller rotates. The blower impeller can have an arrangement of blades distributed around its circumference. By rotating the blower impeller, the gas mixture can be conveyed based on a known pumping principle. The blower impeller can convey the gas mixture radially along the annular channel due to its rotation.

[0008] The suction jet assembly can include a nozzle through which gas can be passed. The nozzle can have a constriction in its cross-section, such that the flow velocity in the nozzle region is increased relative to the gas flow supplied to the suction jet assembly. The suction jet assembly can be integrated into the blower. Alternatively, the suction jet assembly can be attached to the blower. The suction jet assembly can be connected to a gas source that can provide a gas flow with a predetermined composition and volumetric flow rate.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the suction jet arrangement can be provided in the region of the gas mixture's inlet to the blower. In particular, the suction jet arrangement can be positioned on the blower such that the gas flow emitted by the suction jet arrangement flows into a cavity in the inlet region. In this case, it can be provided that the gas flow emitted by the suction jet arrangement entrains any gas mixture present in the cavity of the blower's inlet. This can generate a flow of the gas mixture into the cavity of the inlet housing.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the nozzle of the suction jet assembly can open into an inlet channel and be oriented relative to the inlet channel such that when gas flows through the nozzle, a gas mixture is conveyed into the inlet channel. The direction of the gas flow through the nozzle can be such that the gas exiting the nozzle enters the annular channel. Furthermore, the suction jet assembly can be oriented such that the gas exiting the nozzle enters the cavity of the inlet housing tangentially. In both cases, the gas exiting the nozzle can entrain the gas mixture and thus generate a flow within the blower.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the suction jet arrangement can be located in the area of ​​the gas mixture outlet. In another embodiment, the suction jet arrangement can have a suction area connected to the outlet channel, so that when gas flows through the nozzle of the suction jet arrangement, gas mixture is drawn from the outlet channel. It can be provided that gas flowing into the suction jet arrangement draws in the gas mixture from the outlet channel, and a mixture of gas introduced into the suction jet arrangement and gas entering the suction area from the outlet channel is drawn out of the nozzle of the suction jet arrangement. The gas mixture drawn out of the nozzle of the suction jet arrangement can then be discharged, for example, via pipelines. In particular, the discharged gas mixture can be supplied to the fuel cell arrangement.

[0012] The suction jet assembly can be tubular in design. The suction jet assembly can be integrated into the blower structure. Furthermore, the suction jet assembly can be connected to a gas supply system that allows a predetermined volume flow of gas to be supplied to the suction jet assembly. Due to the blower's design, it may be possible to generate a flow, particularly through the annular channel, when the suction jet assembly is in operation, even when the blower's drive motor is not running.

[0013] In this case, the flow runs from the inlet through the ring channel and through the blower impeller to the blower outlet.

[0014] According to one embodiment, an inlet channel can be provided at the inlet side of the annular channel, configured such that the gas mixture is guided from the inlet channel into the annular channel with a tangential velocity component. This arrangement causes the flow entering the annular channel to rotate with respect to the longitudinal axis of the annular channel. Furthermore, the suction jet arrangement can be arranged in this case such that the gas flow emitted from the nozzle is oriented tangentially with respect to the axial direction of the annular channel. This arrangement ensures that a rotating flow is generated in the annular channel during operation of the suction jet arrangement provided on the inlet housing.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the inlet channel can be designed as a volute. In this case, the inlet channel has a variable diameter along its flow direction, so that the flow velocity increases as the flow passes through the inlet channel. In particular, the volute can be designed with a cross-sectional area that decreases along the flow channel.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the gas mixture rotates with a tangential velocity component within the annular channel relative to its longitudinal axis. The gas mixture moves helically through the annular channel, exerting a centrifugal force on its components, which acts radially outwards. This allows components with a comparatively high density, such as droplets of liquid water, to be moved radially outwards. The liquid water droplets can be designed to adhere to the inner surface of the outer wall of the annular channel.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a flow guide device through which the gas mixture flows can be provided in the inlet channel, imparting a swirl to the flow within the inlet channel. In addition to the rotation of the flow caused by its tangential orientation in the inlet channel, a swirl around the flow direction of the gas mixture can be generated upon entry into the inlet channel by means of the flow guide device. Thus, in addition to the rotation, which can be referred to as primary swirl, a rotation of the flow within the inlet channel can be generated, which can be referred to as secondary swirl. In this way, the effect of the centrifugal force on components of the gas mixture with a comparatively high density is intensified.

[0018] According to one embodiment, it can be provided that the rotation of the gas mixture in the annular channel and the swirl of the gas mixture as it passes through the annular channel are superimposed, at least section by section.

[0019] According to one embodiment, an arrangement for separating water from the gas mixture can be provided, wherein the arrangement for separating water from the gas mixture has at least a section-wise radial expansion of a radially outer wall of the annular channel. The radial expansion can be conical. The radial expansion can be provided section by section with respect to the longitudinal extent of the annular channel. The radial expansion can be provided in the region of the flow exiting the annular channel. Furthermore, the radial expansion can be provided section by section with respect to the circumference. In particular, the radial expansion can be formed from one or more slots or depressions extending radially outwards.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a water discharge arrangement can be provided downstream of the radial expansion, configured such that water moving within the radial expansion can enter the water discharge arrangement and be discharged from it out of the blower. The water discharge arrangement can be designed as an annular channel located in the region of the end of the radial expansion. The water discharge arrangement can also be configured as one or more openings in the region of the end of the radial expansion. Furthermore, the water discharge arrangement can be connected to a conduit through which water collected in the water discharge arrangement can be discharged. The water can be collected in a container or released into the environment.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell arrangement with a blower having one or more of the aforementioned features is provided, wherein the blower is connected to the fuel cell arrangement for recirculating a gas mixture used for the operation of the fuel cell arrangement. The blower can be connected to the fuel cell arrangement via a piping arrangement. The blower can be configured for recirculating hydrogen-containing gas to the fuel cell arrangement. In particular, the recirculation of the hydrogen-containing gas can be configured for the anode side of the fuel cell arrangement. The blower can be controlled as needed via a control device, which can take into account the operating state of the fuel cell arrangement.The fuel cell arrangement can also include several blowers of the type described above, which are integrated into the fuel cell arrangement via corresponding lines.

[0022] The blower and fuel cell assembly can be used in a mobile application. Specifically, the blower and fuel cell assembly can be used in an electric vehicle, where the electrical power can be generated by the fuel cell assembly. Alternatively, the fuel cell assembly with the blower can be used in a stationary application. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a blower in one embodiment in a cross-sectional view; Fig. Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the blower in a cross-sectional view. Detailed description of embodiments

[0023] The following describes embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a blower in one embodiment in a cross-sectional view. The basic structure of the blower is described below based on... Fig. 1 described. As in the cross-sectional view of Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the blower 1 has a main housing 2. The main housing 2 forms the outer circumference of a main section of the blower 1 and is cylindrical in the present embodiment. A drive motor is arranged radially inside the main housing 2, comprising a radially outer stator 8, a radially inner rotor 9, and a motor shaft 7 connected to the rotor 9. The stator 8 is fixedly connected to the main housing 2. The rotor 9 is connected to the rotatable motor shaft 7, allowing the rotor 9 to rotate together with the motor shaft 7. The motor shaft 7 is rotatably mounted on both sides via bearings 11 and 12. In the present embodiment, the rotor 9 is designed as a permanent magnet element. When energy is applied to the stator 8, it generates a rotating magnetic field, causing the rotor 9 to rotate together with the motor shaft 7.

[0025] On the left side in Fig. The main housing 2 has an outlet housing 4. The outlet housing 4 has a passage in its center through which the motor shaft 7 passes. A blower impeller 5 is connected to the motor shaft 7 in the area of ​​the outlet housing 4. Rotation of the motor shaft 7 causes rotation of the blower impeller 5. Radially outside the outlet housing 4, the outlet volute has a diameter that varies with respect to its circumferential direction around the blower 1 and is open towards the blower impeller 5.

[0026] The blower impeller 5 has blades designed with a predetermined shape to achieve the pumping function. The inside of the outlet housing 4 is adapted to the contour of the blower impeller 5 in the radial area where the blower impeller 5 is located. Radially outside the blower impeller 5 is an annular gap that is open to the volute inside the outlet housing 4. On the side of the blower impeller 5 facing away from the rotor 9, the bearing 11 is provided for supporting the motor shaft 7. In the present embodiment, the bearing 11 comprises a set of rolling bearings which are inserted into the housing flange with their outer ring and which are mounted on the motor shaft 7 with their inner ring.

[0027] A ring channel 10 is provided radially between the stator 8 and the rotor 9. The ring channel 10 is formed by the rotor and a tubular element with a larger diameter. The outer tube has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the rotor. The stator 8 is located radially outside the outer tube. Thus, the ring channel 10 is formed, through which a fluid can flow. The ring channel 10 opens on the left side into Fig. 1 in the area of ​​the blower impeller 5. A flow guide device, described below, is located on the right side of the annular channel 10. In an alternative embodiment, the annular channel is formed from an inner tubular element and an outer tubular element, with the rotor 9 arranged radially inside the inner tubular element.

[0028] On the right side in Fig. 1. The blower 1 has an inlet housing 3. The inlet housing 3 is cylindrical and inserted into the main housing 2 with a section. A sealing element is provided between the inlet housing 3 and the main housing 2. The inlet housing 3 is screwed to the main housing 2 via a mounting flange. On the right side in Fig. The inlet housing 3 has an inlet flange 13. The inlet flange 13 serves to be connected to a pipeline of the fuel cell assembly.

[0029] On the right side of the blower 1 is a suction jet arrangement 16 as described below, according to the present embodiment.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the blower has the inlet housing 3 on its right side. The inlet housing 3 is attached to the main housing 2. An inlet channel 13 is thus formed between the inlet housing 3 and the main housing 2. In the present embodiment, the inlet channel 13 is designed as a volute. In particular, the inlet channel 13 is designed with a curved orientation that tangentially surrounds the central axis of the blower 1. In the present embodiment, the volute has a cross-sectional area that decreases in the direction of flow. The inlet channel 13 has an inlet at which a swirl-generating arrangement 14 is provided. Furthermore, the suction jet arrangement 16 is provided on the inlet housing 3. The suction jet arrangement 16 is a tubular element with a connection for supplying a gas.On the outlet side, the suction jet assembly 16 is provided with a nozzle that has a significantly smaller cross-section than the inlet connection of the suction jet assembly 16. The nozzle, and in particular the flow direction of the suction jet assembly 16, is oriented such that the gas flow exiting the nozzle of the suction jet assembly 16 is directed into the annular channel 10.

[0031] The following explains the operation of the suction jet arrangement 16. In conventional operation, the blower 1 is driven by applying energy to the stator 8, which rotates the blower impeller 5 via the rotation of the motor shaft 7. In this case, the rotation of the blower impeller 5 guides the gas mixture from the inlet of the inlet housing 3 through the annular channel 10 to the outlet housing 4. Due to the operation of the blower 1 as a recirculating blower, the gas mixture discharged by the blower 1 is fed to the fuel cell module, guided through the corresponding channel, discharged from it, and returned to the inlet of the inlet housing 3. During operation of the fuel cell module, hydrogen contained in the gas mixture is consumed. Water is also produced as a result of the reaction of the hydrogen within the fuel cell module.To maintain the necessary composition of the gas mixture, hydrogen is added to the recirculated gas flow in a known manner. In this way, the hydrogen consumed in the fuel cell module can be replaced.

[0032] With the in Fig. In the setup shown in Figure 1, hydrogen is fed into the inlet housing 3 of the blower 1 via the suction jet assembly 16. For this purpose, a gas supply assembly 17 is provided, which includes a hydrogen source in the form of a hydrogen tank and an arrangement of valves. If hydrogen needs to be added to the gas mixture, the gas supply assembly 17 is controlled accordingly, so that hydrogen exits the nozzle of the suction jet assembly 16. Due to the high flow velocity at the nozzle outlet of the suction jet assembly 16, the gas mixture present in the cavity of the inlet housing 1 is entrained and drawn into the inlet housing and, in particular, directed into the annular channel 10. This gas mixture is discharged by the blower 1 via the outlet housing 4. Due to the operating principle of the suction jet assembly 16, the flow within the blower 1 also occurs when the blower impeller 5 is not actively driven.

[0033] Thus, this can be done in Fig. In the case shown in the blower 1, if no additional gas is conveyed via the suction jet arrangement 16, the flow for recirculation of the gas mixture is effected by driving the blower impeller 5. If gas is conveyed into the blower 1 via the suction jet arrangement 16, for example, if hydrogen needs to be added to the gas mixture, the flow within the housing 1 can occur without driving the blower impeller 5. It should be noted that conveyance can occur simultaneously via both the suction jet arrangement 16 and the blower impeller 5.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment, the suction jet arrangement 16 is arranged within the inlet housing 3 such that the flow from the nozzle of the suction jet arrangement 16 is tangentially aligned with respect to the axis of rotation 7.

[0035] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the swirl generation device 14 is provided at the inlet of the inlet housing 3. The Fig. The swirl-generating arrangement 14 shown in Figure 1 has a number of guide vanes or guide wings which, relative to the flow direction, generate a swirl in the flow of the gas mixture in the inlet channel of the inlet housing 3. This swirl is superimposed on the rotation of the flow about the longitudinal axis of the annular channel 10. In this way, a comparatively high centrifugal force is applied to components of the gas mixture with a relatively high density, such as droplets of liquid water. These water droplets can then be moved radially outwards and reach the inner side of the outer wall of the annular channel 10. Due to the flow along the longitudinal axis of the annular channel 10, the water droplets adhering to the inner side of the outer wall of the annular channel 10 are moved from the inlet side to the outlet side.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the blower has a water separation module 6 which has an expansion relative to the inner diameter. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the expansion is linear. In particular, the expansion is depicted as a cone. In the region of the largest diameter of the expansion, the water separation module 6 has a water discharge arrangement 15. In the present embodiment, the water discharge arrangement 15 is provided as an annular channel in the region of the largest diameter of the expansion. In the present embodiment, the annular channel of the water discharge arrangement 15 is connected to a pipe through which water entering the water discharge arrangement 15 can be discharged. In particular, the water entering the water discharge arrangement 15 is discharged into the environment via a mobile device. Alternatively, in other applications, a container can be provided in which the collected water can be gathered.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the blower 1. The following only highlights the differences between the two embodiments shown. Fig. 1 embodiment shown and the one in Fig. The embodiment of the blower 1 shown in Figure 2 is explained.

[0038] In the Fig. In the embodiment of the blower shown in Figure 2, the suction jet arrangement 16 is provided at the outlet side of the blower 1. For this purpose, the suction jet arrangement 16, also as in the embodiment of Figure 2, has a suction jet arrangement 16. Fig. 1, a nozzle. Additionally, the suction jet arrangement 16 of the embodiment of Fig. 2 a suction area is provided where a reduced pressure is present during operation of the suction jet arrangement 16.

[0039] As in Fig. 2 is shown in a similar manner to the embodiment of Fig. Gas is introduced into the suction jet assembly 16 via the gas supply arrangement 17. The introduced gas is discharged from the nozzle of the suction jet assembly 16 at an increased velocity and is then supplied to the fuel cell module. The suction area of ​​the suction jet assembly 16 is connected to the outlet area of ​​the outlet housing 4. Due to the reduced pressure at the suction area during operation of the suction jet assembly 16, gas mixture is drawn out of the outlet housing 4. As a consequence, a flow is created through the blower 1, whereby gas mixture is drawn in at the inlet of the blower 1. Thus, when the gas is introduced into the suction jet assembly 16, a process similar to that in the embodiment of Fig. 1, hydrogen is added to the gas mixture as required, while simultaneously enabling the flow through the blower and thus through the fuel cell module.

[0040] The other functions, for example regarding the swirl generation arrangement 14 and the water discharge arrangement 15, are similar to those of the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0041] In one embodiment, the blower 1 has a modular design. For this purpose, the inlet housing 3, the main housing 2, the water separator module 6, and the outlet housing 4 are designed as modules that can be connected to one another. In this embodiment, modules with different specifications are thus provided, which can be connected as needed to equip the blower 1 with the desired properties.

[0042] It should be noted that the aforementioned concepts, which were described separately on the basis of the figures, can be combined with each other.

[0043] The blower 1 of the present embodiments is used in a fuel cell arrangement in which hydrogen-containing gas is circulated and reacts electrochemically to generate electrical energy. In particular, the blower 1 described here is used to purge an anode region of a fuel cell arrangement in order to ensure a predetermined composition of the gas mixture located in the anode region.

[0044] Several of the blowers 1 described above can be used in the fuel cell assembly. Furthermore, the fuel cell assembly generally includes a control unit that, among other things, controls the operation of the blower 1. This includes controlling the speed of the blower 1, which allows the blower output to be adjusted, as well as controlling the gas supply assembly 17. In addition, the operating state of the fuel cell assembly determines whether or not operation of the blower 1 is necessary. If the blower 1 is not operated, the gas mixture can still be passed through the blower 1 by the operation of the suction jet assembly 16, due to its design as a media-gap motor.Due to the structure of the blower 1 described above, and in particular the flow guide device with the guide grid 14 and the volute on the inlet housing 3, the separation function for separating water is achieved even when the blower 1 is not in operation, as the flow through the blower 1 causes the guide grid 14 and the volute on the inlet housing 3 to impart a swirl to the gas flow.

[0045] The blower described above is particularly applicable to the fuel cell arrangement described above. However, the blower is also applicable to other fuel cell arrangements, provided that water separation is advantageous. Reference sign 1 blower 2 Main cases 3 entrance housings 4 outlet housings 5 Blower impeller 6 Water separation module 7 Motor shaft 8 Stator 9 Rotor 10 Ring channel 11 warehouses 12 warehouses 13 Entrance channel 14 Flow guidance device (swirl generation arrangement) 15 Water drainage arrangement 16 Suction jet arrangement 17 Gas supply arrangement 18 Exit channel QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102020007640A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Blower (1) for a fuel cell arrangement for recirculating a gas mixture used for operating the fuel cell arrangement, comprising a drive motor (7, 8, 9) which has a rotor (9) coupled to a motor shaft (7) and a stator (8) arranged radially outside the rotor (9), wherein an annular channel (10) is provided radially between the rotor (9) and the stator (8) for conveying the gas mixture from an inlet side to an outlet side of the annular channel (10), wherein in the region of the outlet side of the annular channel (10) a blower impeller (5) coupled to the motor shaft (7) is provided in order to convey the gas mixture from the inlet side to the outlet side of the annular channel (10) during rotation, wherein the blower (1) further comprises a suction jet arrangement (16) with a nozzle for generating a gas flow at high speed, which is introduced into the flow path of the blower (1) is integrated to cause a flow through the fan (1). [2] Blower (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the suction jet arrangement (16) is provided in the region of the inlet of the gas mixture. [3] Blower (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the nozzle of the suction jet arrangement (16) opens into an inlet channel (13) and is aligned in relation to the inlet channel (13) such that when gas flows through the nozzle, gas mixture is conveyed into the inlet channel. [4] Blower (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the suction jet arrangement (16) is provided in the region of the outlet of the gas mixture. [5] Blower (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the suction jet arrangement (16) has a suction region which is connected to the outlet channel (13), so that when gas flows through the nozzle of the suction jet arrangement (16) gas mixture is conveyed from the outlet channel (18). [6] Blower (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an inlet channel (13) is provided on an inlet side of the annular channel (10), which is designed such that the gas mixture is guided with a tangential velocity component from the inlet channel (13) into the annular channel (10). [7] Blower (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inlet channel (13) is designed as a volute. [8] Blower (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the gas mixture rotates with a tangential velocity component in the annular channel (10) relative to the longitudinal axis of the annular channel (10). [9] Blower (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in the region of the inlet channel (13) a flow guide device (14) through which the gas mixture can flow is provided, which imparts a swirl to the flow within the inlet channel (13). [10] Blower (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized bythat the rotation of the gas mixture in the annular channel (10) and the swirl of the gas mixture as it passes through the annular channel (10) are superimposed at least in sections. [11] Blower (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an arrangement for separating water from the gas mixture is provided, wherein the arrangement for separating water from the gas mixture has an at least partially radial widening of a radially outer wall of the annular channel (10). [12] Blower (1) according to claim 11, characterized by that downstream of the radial expansion, a water discharge arrangement (15) is provided, which is designed such that water moving in the radial expansion can enter the water discharge arrangement (15) and be discharged from there onto the fan (1). [13] Fuel cell arrangement with a blower (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is connected to the fuel cell arrangement for recirculating a gas mixture used for the operation of the fuel cell arrangement.

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